ICC Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES), announced that it has formalized a working partnership with QAI Laboratories, Inc., headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to streamline the process for building product manufacturers to have their products tested and evaluated. The result is an expedited ICC-ES Evaluation Report or an ICC-ES Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Listing.
Under the new partnering program, manufacturers can now work with ICC-ES and QAI to bring products to market faster and at less cost. Products covered include, but are not limited to, wall systems and coverings, roofing systems and underlayments, water-resistant and air barriers, insulation, plumbing fixtures and fittings, PVC pipe and fittings and innovative building products in all of these areas.
Michael Beaton, P.E., ICC-ES Senior Vice President, commented on the announcement: “Time to market is really what brought this partnership about. It’s already proved successful in trial projects with QAI and resulted in much quicker completions. Under our Partner Program, ICC-ES Evaluation Reports (ESRs) are getting approved in a fraction of the usual time.”
Traditionally, manufacturers submit test data from independent testing labs directly to ICC-ES to obtain an Evaluation Report that covers comprehensive building code requirements. However, often due to miscommunication, needed information for the various code evaluations is incomplete or omitted, which results in delays. With the new partnering program, the manufacturer, ICC-ES and QAI will establish close communications and work together from the beginning of the process to decide on the scope of the project, and agree on a testing plan and the data requirements necessary to achieve the ESR or the PMG Listing. Now, if issues arise during inspections and testing, they are resolved among the parties as testing proceeds so that agreed-upon testing criteria and specifications are met. “This process is going to save a lot of time, settle problems much sooner and avoid delays,” said Beaton.
Chris Bowness, General Manager of QAI, pointed out the communication advantages: “With our California offices just a few miles apart, and many years of working together, QAI and ICC-ES are able to react and resolve issues very quickly, bringing significant acceleration to the end-resulting evaluation report or certification.”
“Our mutual goal is to help customers bring new products and technology advancements to market as fast as possible, Bowness added. “The partnering process fills communication gaps, providing for the most thorough, accurate, and rapid path to product acceptance.
In addition to cost and time savings, there are several other benefits to the manufacturer. QAI will act as the single point of contact and supervises the entire evaluation process through plan development, sampling, testing, quality documentation, inspection, data package and draft report. Also, manufacturers of plumbing products have the added advantage of receiving dual certification for product recognition in the U.S. and Canada.
About ICC Evaluation Service LLC
As a nonprofit, limited liability company, ICC-ES is the United States’ leading evaluation service for innovative building materials, components and systems. The ICC-ES Evaluation Reports and PMG Listings provide evidence that products and systems meet requirements in codes and standards. The ICC-ES SAVE Program provides manufacturers with verification that their products meet specific sustainability targets defined by today’s green rating systems, standards and codes. ICC-ES is a subsidiary of the International Code Council. For more information about ICC-ES: www.icc-es.org
About QAI Laboratories, Inc.
QAI Laboratories is a leader in certification, testing and inspections of consumer goods such as building materials and plumbing, electrical and transportation products for manufacturers and retailers. Their registered certification logo provides officials and consumers assurance that products certified by QAI meet the standards referenced on the label. QAI partners with its clients so they succeed by offering cost effective solutions to help speed the regulatory approval process and help get products to market. From identifying code requirements to developing an evaluation plan, testing through inspecting and certifying products, or assisting with the Code Agency evaluation process, QAI has established an international reputation for excellence. For more information about QAI: www.qai.org.
